Household electricity bills have been poised to fall from September after regulators approved a new tariff structure that removes public street-lighting costs from residential bills and caps the rate for the first 200 units of monthly consumption at no more than 3 baht per unit.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said on Thursday the changes would cut electricity charges by about 6 satang per unit, with the new rates to affect September bills through to at least December.
The announcement was made after approval was given by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which completed a public consultation on plans to revise residential electricity tariffs and remove public-lighting costs from household bills.
ERC secretary-general Poonpat Leesombatpiboon said the changes would reduce the average electricity charge from 3.95 baht per unit to 3.86 baht per unit, excluding value added tax.
Households using up to 200 units of electricity a month will pay no more than 3 baht per unit for that portion of their consumption. Usage above that level will be charged at applicable tariff rates.
The change follows a National Energy Policy Council resolution last month to remove public street-lighting costs from residential electricity bills.
The revised tariff structure will also extend eligibility for residential rates to some occupants of homes without permanent house registration, provided they meet conditions set by electricity authorities, including a record of electricity payments.
